As we head into the end of 2011, we just couldn’t help looking back to this glittering New Years Eve wedding at The Rittenhouse in Philadelphia!  This stunning celebration was all about sparkle, shimmer and shine!

{Photos:  Tyler Boye}

Brian Kappra designed a stunning hand-tied bouquet for the bride composed of delicate textures and soft fragrance.  The traditional wedding flowers, Stephanotis and Lily of the Valley, were combined with white Akito Roses and Gardenias. The stems of the bouquet were wrapped in silk organdy ribbon and detailed with tiny vintage crystal pins. Little crystals were also added into the heart of the star-shaped Stephanotis blossoms.  Just enough twinkle to catch the romantic lighting in the ballroom as Jaclyn glided down the aisle!

The groom, Neville, as he waits for his bride-to-be to arrive at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for their “first look” photo session.  The day was brisk and cold but you wouldn’t know it from these two lovebirds!  Working closely with their photographer, Tyler Boye, Jaclyn and Neville spent over an hour outside in the Winter chill to get the these fantastic photographs!

As guests arrived for the ceremony they were greeted by long contemporary dark wooden and mirror-topped tables in both the Ballroom Foyer and in the back of the Grand Ballrooom.  Down the length of each of the tables was a collection of glass vases and crystal votive candles to create a beautiful initial setting upon entering the ceremony space.  Each vase was filled with fragrant white flowers such as Casablanca Lilies, Roses, Stock and Snapdragon.

The ceremony setting itself was designed simply with white gossamer drape as the backdrop, a long white line aisle runner, classic white pedestals holding blown glass and crystal lamps, and clear lucite Chivari reception chairs.  The main decor element was the ceiling treatment of dozens of suspended crystals and strung orchids that like the chandeliers, caught the light and added sparkle to the celebration.  After the ceremony, the shimmering crystals remained adding a little extra glamour over the dance floor and head table for the dinner dance.

The bridesmaids were all attired in elegant black dresses and black pashmina wraps. All gorgeous ladies themselves, their bridesmaids’ bouquets of tightly gathered miniature white Calla Lilies were a lovely accessory.  The groomsmen (photographed below in the Boathouse Row Bar in The Rittenhouse) were smartly suited out in classic black tuxedos, traditional hand-tied bow-ties, personalized cufflinks and coordinating boutonnieres.

After the ceremony, wedding guests enjoyed cocktails in the Cassatt Tea Room while the Grand Ballroom was revamped into a silver and white New Year’s wedding reception.  Soft, elegant lighting around the ballroom added warmth and romance to the space.

The round dinner tables were dressed with floor-length pleated white organdy linens, silver satin napkins, silver beaded glass chargers and clear lucite Chivari reception chairs.  On the center of each table, including the long rectangular head table seating twenty-five, we placed a variety of different centerpiece designs which incorporated beautiful glass vases of different heights and stunning collections of white flowers.  Gorgeous imported blossoms from around the globe were used, including: Amaryllis, Tulips, French Stock, Hydrangea, Dendrobium Orchids, Calla Lilies, Akita Roses, Snapdragon, Casablanca Lilies and Cape Green.

In addition to flowers on the dinner tables, candles played an important role in setting the tone for the evening.  Like the glass vases used around the room, the candles varied from table design to table design for visual interest.  Tall crystal drop taper holders were used on some tables, crystal pillar stands on other tables, and crystal lamps and votives on others.

The bride and groom take their first turn around the dance floor together. (above) Later in the evening, Jaclyn and her father share every emotion on the dance floor, from joyous laughter to bittersweet tears.  (we love Jaclyn’s feather and organza flower fascinator!)

But when it was time to ring in the New Year, EVERYONE was on the dance floor with noisemakers, clappers and champagne in hand!

Sneaking out into the night for one last photo session, the bride and groom take advantage of the sparkling holiday lights suspended from the trees in Rittenhouse Square Park.

 {This wedding was featured on Hostess with the Mostess}

]]> http://blog.evantinedesign.com/2011/12/28/real-stories-a-new-years-eve-winter-wedding-sparkles-in-rittenhouse-square/feed/ 7 evantinedesign kiss in the lightsof philadelphia, holiday weddings, rittenhouse square park, evantine design, hotel weddings Bride and bridesmaids philadelphia high end weddings luxury hotel weddings evantine design winter weddings wedding gown layered ruffles philadelphia weddings wedding rings philadelphia luxury weddings evantine design diamond rings bridal bouquet white flowers winter wedding evantine design rittenhouse hotel bride black and white photos from wedding luxury weddings philadelphia weddings evantine design groom waiting for the bride philadelphia weddings wedding tuxedo groom preparations rittenhouse hotel first look on the day of the wedding formal wedding photos winter weddings philadelphia art museum evantine design weddings first look admiring glance by groom philadelphia high end weddings winter weddings evantine design tyler boye formal wedding photos at the waterworks philadelphia winter weddings secret smile bride formal photos in philadelphia black and white photos of bride and groom evantine design weddings hotel weddings ceremony flowers winter white weddings luxury hotel weddings ceremony aisle suspended crystals white wedding winter wedding white ceremony aisle white linen aisle runner suspended crystals white drape flower girls wearing white gowns with black sashes white winter wedding hotel weddings philadelphia evantine design bride and her father walking down the aisle winter weddings philadelphia wedding photos evantine design luxury hotel weddings groom smiling during wedding ceremony winter wedding luxury hotel weddings philadelphia ceremony recessional winter weddings luxury hotel weddings in philadelphia evantine design tyler boye bridesmaids black gowns winter wedding white calla lily bouquets black pashmina shawls groomsmen formal photo boathouse row bar rittenhouse hotel evantine design weddings room shot white winter wedding rittenhouse hotel evantine design suspended crystals from ceiling place card table rittenhouse hotel weddings evantine design holiday weddings new years eve weddings room with wedding cake rittenhouse hotel evantine design white floral centerpieces for weddings white lilies white roses white peonies glass vases crystal details long white and silver wedding tables luxury hotel weddings evantine design first dance philadelphia hotel wedding rittenhouse hotel evantine design bride dancing with her father rittenhouse luxury hotel wedding evantine design weddings new years wedding kiss winter weddings holiday weddings evantine design rittenhouse hotel walk in the park after the wedding winter wedding photos with snow philadelphia high end weddings evantine design http://blog.evantinedesign.com/2011/12/02/an-outdoor-vintage-inspired-wedding-at-the-four-seasons-hotel-in-philadelphia/ http://blog.evantinedesign.com/2011/12/02/an-outdoor-vintage-inspired-wedding-at-the-four-seasons-hotel-in-philadelphia/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:43:03 +0000 evantinedesign http://blog.evantinedesign.com/?p=5436 ]]>

Big thank you to wedding photographer Amie Schroeder for featuring one of our late Summer weddings on her blog!  Not once, but twice!  The vintage-inspired garden theme was a wonderful way to celebrate this wedding in the already-fabulously designed Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.

One of our favorite designs we created for the event was this eye-catching twelve foot weathered table which greets guests as they arrived for the ceremony.  We covered the old farmhouse tables with a varied collection of salvaged bird cages, oxidized copper vessels, old leather boxes, wooden trays filled with moss or grass, recycled books, mini-chalkboard signs and groomed topiaries in terracotta pots.  The nooks and crannies of this collection were designed to showcase Diane Schaffer’s clever ceremony program that doubled as “place cards” as each program had a paper band that shared seating assignments.

Click here and here to see more photos of the event – from our whimsical bridal bouquet to the incredible French iron candelabra centerpieces used on some of the dinner tables in the hotel ballroom.

Within a matter of hours, we transformed the streamlined, efficiency of a conservative Jewish synagogue into the glamorous, complexity of an elegant wedding celebration.

 [Photo:  Ash Imagery]

The bridal party gathered at the bride’s parents’ home in Ventnor, New Jersey to leisurely prepare for the wedding day festivities.  With all the flurry of activity and non-stop pre-wedding excitement, having the opportunity to insulate themselves from the commotion was a sentimental (and stress-free) luxury.  The stylish bride and groom chose the royal tone of purple as their dramatic signature color for the celebration.  The bride glided down the aisle in an ivory strapless lace gown, a gossamer finger-tip veil and, of course, shimmering Christian Louboutin slingbacks.

The GORGEOUS bride carried a monochromatic bouquet of purple parrot and plum fringe tulips wrapped in aubergine double-faced satin ribbon and detailed with crystal pins.  The lovely bridesmaids wore black matte jersey evening gowns and carried tightly composed bouquets of plum-colored miniature calla lilies.  Small boutonnieres were designed for the groom, groomsmen and fathers of the bride and groom with flowers taken from the corresponding ladies’ bouquets. The stems of the gentlemen’s boutonnieres were wrapped in black satin ribbon to completely disappear into the black label of the men’s elegant tuxedos.

As guests are seated in the sanctuary for the ceremony, the bridal party and families gathered for the traditional ketubah signing.  Afterwards, the champagne corks were popping and glassed were filled to mark the momentous occasion.

The simply stunning white organza chupah was sheer sophistication! The bimah was soft and romantic with the beautiful bridal couple as the only adornment. (Well, almost.)  Finishing touches are vital.  A long, wide, white aisle runner ran from the back of the aisle and all the way to behind the chupah for a clean look and lavender rose bouquets anchored the drapery sashes.

Orchids, Orchids, Orchids! After the ceremony, champagne drapes were pulled back to welcome wedding guests into adjacent rooms where cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres and specialty food stations awaited.  A large mirrored cocktail bar held gold circular shelves filled with purple flocked candles.  Low and high cocktail tables were dressed in plum velvet linens, gold chivari reception chairs and purple candle lanterns.  Small upholstered seating areas with purple velvet sofas and modern gold tables were placed throughout for pops of lounge-style groupings.

The everyday function of the synagogue’s event space was freshened up with miles of floor-to-ceiling champagne drape and washed with dramatic purple lighting.

As most party hosts know, a beautifully dressed table is a key element in any wedding celebration.  It reveals just how much thought and care has gone into making the party a success.  Rectangular dining tables were covered with aubergine satin linens to the floor and overlaid with jeweled lavender lace for an opulent look.  Champagne satin napkins were slipped into a plum velvet sash and secured with a Swarovski crystal buckle.  The centerpieces were composed using several designs including faceted glass lamps holding white linen drum shades with low lush design of flowers; and tall glass stemmed hurricanees filled with water and floating candles flanking square glass and mirrored vases filled with mixed bouquets of purple flowers.  The flowers used in all of the dinner table designs, and throughout the event itself, included tulips, roses, dendrobium orchids, cymbidium orchids, phalaeonpsis orchids, Italian carnations, hydrangea, hyacinth, lisisanthus and mini calla lilies.

From the spirited Jewish hora to the sentimental father-daughter dance, at one time or another, everyone took a turn on the dance floor!

The soft lighting around the room and on the dancefloor created a dreamlike quality that actually emphasized the the deep purple floral creations and highlighted the fun dessert food stations that appeared late into the night.  Yet, as the bride and groom expected, the energetic dance floor and sexy lounge area were popular with their friends all night long.

Brian Kappra, the owner and creative director of Evantine Design, is passionate about giving back to the community around him.  In fact, he’s been honored many times himself for his charitable work and has served on numerous non-profit committees and boards.  His generosity of spirit has contributed to the success of some of Philadelphia’s most prestigous benefits, such as the Ball on The Square, Project H.O.M.E.’s iCare Gala; the Foundation for Breast and Prostate Health; Gift of Life’s Donors are Heroes; and Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s Butterfly Ball; to name a few.  And he’s not done yet!  Help is needed now more than ever, if only through black-tie channels of support.  Despite the fact that charities, non-profits and now the positive-sounding ”civil society organizations” or CSO’s, have felt the brunt of the last few years of economic strife, we’re confident that this Fall’s gala season will bring public awareness and financial support where needed.  If it takes a party or a gala event to get everyone involved; Evantine will gladly lend a hand.

Over the years we’ve provided event planning, decor, entertainment and auction support to countless charity groups and organizations.  One of our favorites was the iCare Gala benefitting Project H.O.M.E, a powerful group of warm-hearted individuals who strive to eliminate the “cycle of homelessness, address the structural causes of poverty, and attain their fullest potential as members of society.”  Founded in 1989 by Sister Mary Scullian and Joan Dawson McConnon, Project H.O.M.E. has grown to over 450 units of housing and three businesses that provide employment and re-training to formerly homeless individuals.  To date, Project H.O.M.E. has leverages over $50,000,000 in equity towards housing and economic development.  AMAZING! And when you hear that 1 in 6 American citizens are now living below the poverty line and more people are living on the street; you know that if there is every a charity group to support in these tough times, it’s Project H.O.M.E.   One was to support the organization is to throw an event that not only encourages deep-pocket donations; but also offers an event experience unlike any other gala celebration.  The iCare Gala did just that. [Photos: Paul Loftland]

Hosted at a private farm deep in the heart of the Main Line just outside of Philadelphia, multiple tents were built on the side of a hill to accommodate a dinner dance for over 400 guests and supporters of Project H.O.M.E.  The event took place in the middle of October and Brian Kappra incorproated autumnal colors, flowers and textures into every moment of the experience.  Deep reds, burnt oranges, chocolate browns, warm ambers and metallic golds were found in linens, flowers, draping, china, goblets, menus and lighting.  A pop here and there of turquoise blue in vases, auction table linens and ceiling lighting added an element of surprise and freshness.  Even caterer, Peter Callahan, incorporated chocolate brown and turquoise blue into his stationary displays, sushi bars and serving trays.

Several well-stocked bars were available in the Silent Auction, Wine Auction and Cocktail Tents, as well as on either side of the main Dinner Dance Tent.  Passed hors d’oeuvres included Peter Callahan’s signature bite-sized Americana foods such as pigs in a blanket, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, shrimp lollipops and “beef and beer” (see photo below).

Brian Kappra designed the main tent around the stage area in a traditional U-shaped fashion to allow easy viewing of all presentations throughout the night.  There were many!  Including an incredible live auction orchestrated by Sotheby’s, a live dance performance by the children of Project H.O.M.E.; and the fabulous and invigorating music of the Ray of Light Orchestra.

It was a truly a magical evening but there’s still so much to do.  Again, we encourage all of our friends to join us in supporting the many amazing charitable organizations across the Greater Philadelphia Area that give countless individuals hope and assistance when no one else can.

We recently met with an engaged couple who were guests at a stunning wedding we designed last summer in Center City Philadelphia. Lucky for us, the couple went on and on about the event they attended, remembering details and moments of the day that simply “stuck with them” enough that they just had to give us a call when their own engagement became official.  EXACTLY what makes us do what we do!  As we listened to them recount their experience, we realized, we never posted photographs of the wedding on our blog!  “You really should! It was so beautiful!” the bride-to-be said emphatically.  So, here goes.  A little look back on Mary and Joe’s gorgeous wedding celebration at the Catholic Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.  [Photos by Ron Solimon]

The traditional, full nuptial Catholic wedding mass would take place in the later morning.  Which meant, an EARLY rise for the bridal party who would all need hair and makeup services prior to the wedding ceremony.  Thankfully, having chosen the Four Seasons Hotel as their wedding reception venue, they would only need to walk across the street to get to the church on time!  The bride wore an elegant strapless Badgley Mischka wedding gown, a gossamer cathedral length veil and Chanel open-toed stilettos.  Keeping the overall silhouette monochromatic, we designed her bridal bouquet using classic blooms such as delicate white Akito Roses, Lily of the Valley and Stephanotis.

As the wedding guests entered the church, they were handed a vintage gold fan-shaped ceremony program that featured an illustration of the church.  In such a glorious space, with its high ceilings and marble floors, the mood created by the strings, choir, candles and floral fragrance was magnificent!

After the ceremony, the bride and groom had plenty of time to tour the City of Brotherly Love with their photographer.  Using one historic property after another from one side of Philadelphia to the other, Ron Solimon managed to capture some of the most dramatic wedding photographs we’ve ever seen!

The wedding reception was held at the Four Seasons Hotel starting with cocktails in the Courtyard, then moving to dinner and dancing in the Ballroom and ending with After-Hours in a tent on the Ballroom Terrace.  In every space, we provided elegant decor and flowers that echoed the bride and groom’s color theme:  Crisp summer white with pops of hot pink and magenta.  The cocktail reception had traditional linen-covered high and low tables as well as upholstered white highbacked armchairs with hot pink dupioni pillows, vintage mirror tables and statuesque glass vases filled with monochromatic displays of summer flowers.  The weather was incredible and guests got to enjoy an extended cocktail party filled with passed hors d’oeuvres, multiple cocktail bars and savory food stations.

When the cocktail reception is able to take place outside in the hotel Courtyard and on the overlooking terraces, we are able to use the Ballroom Foyer as a dramatic location for the placecard table.  In this case, we designed a 16-foot rectangular table covered with layers of butter-colored silk holding tall vases filled with delphinium flowers, lilies and mini calla lilies; as well as vintage cut glass pillar stands with white pillar candles.  Hand-calligraphed place cards were carefully placed on both sides of the table for easy access.  Later in the evening the place card table was re-set with the couple’s delicious wedding favors!

Inside the Ballroom we covered square dinner tables with butter dupionique linens to the floor which were overlaid with ivory floral applique organze linens.  A variety of elegant centerpieces were used across the room, some high and some low, but all using the same flowers to provide a cohesive look and scheme.  Classic glass urns held stems of white orchids, others held crystal and vintage gold candle stanchions surrounded by lush flowers.  Gorgeous white and ivory blossoms from local farms and around the globe were used and included peonies, hydrangea, lilies, miniature calla lilies, orchids, roses, stock and delphinium. Here and there we added pops of hot pink or magenta flowers as a dramatic accent.  The entire ballroom was bathed in layers of light, from the textured deep pink lighting on the walls and dancefloor, to the sharp pin-spots on the centerpieces and cake table.

The groom chose to change into an elegant white jacket for the party (which we loved!) and the stunning couple not only danced like a dream together on the dance floor, they got silly in the photobooth with the friends and playful with each other with the cake cutting!

Event Partners:  Four Seasons Hotel; EBE London; Ron Solimon, Truli Confectionary Arts; Uncommon Events; MJW Calligraphy; Lavon Films; Tiffany & Co; Boyds; The Wedding Shoppe.

This stylish graduation party did take place in the backyard, but gone are the balloons and banners.  Instead, colorfully “hot” flowers in red, hot pink, orange and yellow played well together with crisp white and natural wood for a stunning celebration under the stars.

[Photos:  Tyler Boye]

A sensational sailcloth tent from EventQuip provided the light and airy summertime space for the celebration.  Dozens of iron shepherd’s hook and lanterns dotted the landscape around the tent and along the walkways leading to and from the house.  California rattan furniture groupings, mushy bean bags and cocktail tables were tucked along the existing terraces and out on the lawn for guests to enjoy throughout the casual evening of dining and dancing.  Guests were encouraged to graze on food stations from Leslie Rosen Catering that included: classic sushi, Asian noodles and steamed edamame as well as a fun mini-taco bar with grilled Mahi Mahi, steak and chicken with fresh pico de gallo. Passed trays of lemon-basil martinis and minted-lemonade circulated throughout the crowd along with traditional hors d’oeuvres such as pigs-in-a-blanket, grilled lambchops and chicken quesadillas.  An early Summer supper was served family-style on long feast tables laden with artisanal breads and bottled water.  Cutting Edge DJs kept the dance floor hopping and the announcements short-but-sweet. Favorite desserts were served on wooden farm tables and included a large selection of homestyle cupcakes from Crumbs Bake Shop, organic frozen yogurt and gourmet ice cream sundaes.  Seating areas surrounding multiple firepits were outfitted with the makings for s’mores:  graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows.  And of course, no party would be complete without a coffee bar! Not one but two large coffee bars were offered to both kids and adults as the finishing touch on the evening.  Coffee, cupcakes and bean bags under the stars on a gorgeous summer night just might be the perfect place to hang out with friends.

Event Planning and Design:  Evantine Design; Catering: Leslie Rosen Catering; Tenting:  EventQuip; Music: Cutting Edge DJs; Photography: Tyler Boye.

Nestled deep withing one of the most prestigious neighborhoods on the Main Line, a sprawling cluster of suburban towns just outside of Philadelphia, lies the picturesque Appleford Estate. Dating back more than 300 years, this gentleman’s farm is surrounded by 24 of the most exquisite gardens any bride could hope to find for her outdoor wedding.  Originally part of a land grant from William Penn, Appleford is carefully maintained today as a working arboretum and bird sanctuary. The intense July heat proved to be no match against the charm of Appleford’s brightly hued flowering gardens, weeping willow trees, endless Pennsylvania fieldstone walls and trickling streams.

{Photos: Stacey Kane}

The sprawling lawn next to the waterfall and leading down to the pond was an idyllic setting for the non-denominational wedding ceremony.  Dark wood folding chairs were situated in a traditional amphitheatre-style manner under the natural green canopy of the trees.  A collection of sculptural iron urns and garden topiaries were placed at the entrance to the aisle and as the main ceremony backdrop.  Three loosely gathered garden floral arrangements made a grand statement; yet, remained somewhat transparent to allow a clear view of the surrounding setting. Except for a light dusting of tossed rose petals, the lawn itself served as a natural green aisle runner lined by iron shepherd’s hooks holding garden bouquets.  Flowers used included locally-grown green hydrangea; apricot, white and blush roses; white and orange lilies; hypericum berries; green viburnum; and fragrant white phlox.

Catching the bride as she moved across the lawn on her way to the outdoor ceremony, her classic lacey white gown was complimented by a mixed bridal bouquet of green Lady Slipper orchids, green hydrangea, pale apricot cabbage roses, Sahara roses and rose hips.

Having toured the estate the previous summer, the bride and groom were inspired by Appleford’s colorful perennial gardens of hot pink, orange and green flowers. As a result, the vibrant shades of orange, tangerine and apple green were chosen as their signature wedding colors. The bold colors were enthusiastically embraced in everything from letterpressed save the dates, invitations and programs to green and orange striped ties for the men, and “happy” orange party frocks for the bridesmaids. Boutquets were designed for the wedding attendants using mango mini calla lilies; green hydrangea; apricot coxcomb; green and white parrot tulips; ”sunset” roses; and pops of bright white Stephanotis.

After the ceremony, guests were invited to wander the whimsical cottage gardens on their journey to the shady cocktail tent. The Rose Garden hosted a prosecco bar on a table shaded by a large vintage Asian parasol. Below, a large tent was  installed over the Perennial Garden to offer guests protection from the hot July sun or the looming thunderstorms. Wide panels of green and white fabric were draped back and forth throughout the ceiling of the tent. Here and there, white floral spheres were suspended from the tent for a touch of modern garden flare.  Just beyond the tent, heading down to the Woodland Gardens, was an additional cocktail area with iron garden furniture placed under more Asian parasols. Throughout the gardens, Feastivities provided savory food stations, cocktail bars and passed hors d’oeuvres that allowed guests to mingle wherever they liked without straying too far from the refreshments.

Guests were invited to different tented “rooms” on the upper lawn and terraces for a sit-down dinner dance.  Square and rectangular dinner tables were dressed in sassy orange linens, natural Chivari reception chairs and formal ivory and gold filigree dinnerware. A mixture of modern glass vases and traditional glass hurricanes were used throughout the tents for a lighter approach.  A mixture of monochromatic and mixed blossom floral arrangements were designed for each dinner table drawing from the collection of mango, tangerine, apricot and green flowers.  Those floral elements included blooms, foliage and orchard fruits found in Appleford’s gardens:  sedum, coneflower, roses, butterfly weed, hosta and whole peaches.  Weathered gold votives, and antique gold table numbers added a subtle nod to the “estate” setting.  White paper lanterns and orange floral spheres of varying sizes were suspended in the ceiling of the tents.

Not only was there a gorgeous five-tiered wedding cake with orange and green flowers packed in between the tiers, but there was a surprise groom’s cake presentation that received a standing ovation!  Taken completely by surprise, the groom got overtly emotional when he saw this incredible too-real-for-comfort cake inspired by a photo of his beloved childhood friend Tripp.  Truli Confectionary Arts created such a true-to-life replica of the dog that no one could imagine taking a bite!

What the guests could enjoy, and with childlike glee, was the oversized iced coffee and donut hole dessert bar!  A favorite late night snack for the bride and groom, they couldn’t think of any other way to feed their guests’ sweet tooth than with a Dunkin Donuts display!

{Tents by EventQuip; Catering by Feastivities; Wedding Planning and Event Design by Evantine Design; Music by CTO; Stationery by Two Paperdolls; Cakes by Truli Confectionary Arts; Transportation by King Limousine}

A sensational creekside home just outside of Philadelphia marries modern architecture with vibrant color and stylish foods for this sophisticated bridal shower.

[Photos:  David Mielcarek]

A European-style gravel drive and wide descending stone steps greet guests as they arrive at the bride’s mother’s home, a stunning modern villa carved into the rocky creek beds of Gladwyne, Pennsylvania.  Lush gardens designed by celebrated landscaped designer, Vincent Smith-Durham, surround the home with a contemporary English garden setting.

The bride fell in love with the whimsical custom-designed calligraphy of Leigh Wells and in addition to the playful tangerine and coral invitations, Leigh provided a welcome sign, note cards and menus for the bridal shower.

The bride had a specific vision of how she wanted to celebrate her bridal shower:  bringing a contemporary and colorful garden into the minimalist interiors of her mother’s home.  That meant, upholstered furniture that usually resides in the living and dining rooms was placed in the screened in porch.  Iron patio furniture and bamboo chairs from the 1960′s and 1970′s were then placed in the living and dining room amongst potted perennials and shrubs brought in for the party.  Brightly colored silk pillows in fuschia, chartreuse, sunflower and tomato were placed throughout the home and terraces for additional pops of color.

The bride as she greets her little guests.

Peter Callahan designed a light and fresh summer menu for the party balancing his signature miniature passed hors d’oeuvres with beverage bars and food stations.  Guests enjoyed a “help-yourself” beverage bar that included a choice of watermelon and mint, Meyer lemonade, sparkling water with verbena, and white peach iced tea.  Classic American favorites were cleverly presented on starkly modern trays, including breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs and bacon, smoked salmon on bagels, blueberry pancakes and strawberry smoothies; as well as tongue-in-cheek savory bites like fish tacos paired with mini Patron sippers, “potted” chicken salad in edible potato pots and zucchini frites in paper cones. (Below, from left:  caprese salads in pita, Maine lobster salad on cucumber “under glass”; and mini milk & cookies.)

Although guests did bring gifts to the bridal shower, the bride planned to open them in private after the event ended rather than stop the flow of the party for the traditional “unwrapping” ceremony.  Guests were encouraged to mix and mingle, sitting inside the house or on the terrace overlooking the pool below.  Of course, no one could avoid having their photos taken by the flower girls!  Multiple instant cameras were placed on a black marble-topped table with patterned paper note cards and colorful pens to offer messages, anecdotes and memories for the bride-to-be.

From one side of the house to the other brightly hued monochromatic floral arrangements enhanced the colorful theme, many placed in the homeowner’s extensive collection of blown glass vessels:  orange roses in cobalt blue glass vases, hot pink roses in turquoise pottery, happy yellow roses in raspberry swirled glass, green hydrangea in tall glass vases, blue delphinium in forest green urns, and purple irises massed together in salvaged aqua blue glass vases.

A summer lunch buffet offered a variety of light salads and savories: grilled lemon chicken, whole cold poached salmon with cucumber dill sauce, grilled herb oil ficelle slices, grilled summer vegetables, shaved fresh corn with olive oil and butter, heirloom tomato salad, and a grilled peach, feta and arugula salad.

A dessert “mosaic” was placed in the living room for guests to sample at will with bite-sized brownies, key lime pies, summer berry tarts, “peanut butter & jelly” cookies, and sugared donuts. White square platters lined with various colorfully-patterned papers were placed precisely on the table for a clean, modern presentation.  In the center of the six foot glass coffee table a collection of tomato red vases filled with single stems of white snapdragons provided a modern floral display.

One of the sweet flower girls finds the perfect spot in the screened in porch for an afternoon nap as the party continues on without her.

Just this past April, guests entered the whimsical world of Ally in Wonderland at The Merion in Cinnaminson, New Jersey.  Designed to evoke an enchanted storybook garden, the ornate ballroom was transformed into a magical place to celebrate Ally’s bat mitzvah!

[Photos courtesy of Universal Party (above) and AVI Photography]

As Ally’s guests arrived at The Merion they were greeted by a large illustrated seating book sitting on a table dressed with Moss Green Taffeta linens.  Below, the guest of honor was seated with her friends at a large “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” feast table placed at the head of dance floor.  Tall red rose topiaries alternated with whimsical hat stands and funky tea pots.  Each place setting had its own playing card placemat and gilded Chivari chairs had a rainbow of colorful cushions.  Ally was seated in the center of the table on her own gold throne that the Queen herself would be jealous of!

The ballroom was alive with color!  The ceiling was lit with deep midnight blues, vibrant purples, bright yellows and deep greens to evoke dark nights and mystical forests.  Event Designer, Arlene Bluestein, worked with a floral palette of papaya, orange, coral, deep pink, magenta, fuchsia, green, grape and garnet red.  Formal green topiaries were placed in urns and versailles boxes and flowering cherry branches offered tree-like shadows.  We incorporated the client’s assorted Alice in Wonderland props into the designs which included Mad Hatter top hats, oversized gold pocket watches and oversized playing cards.

Our production team built colorful floral trees and wired hat holders for the dinner tables.  But our sign-in “door” was a huge hit with the kids!

“I’m late, I’m late” pocket watch table numbers were big and bold to help guests find their way to their dinner tables.  Below, even the sly Cheshire Cat made his appearance felt at the bat mitzvah celebration floating in and out of the room at will.  Here, he’s landed on the dance floor for all to see!

All the details on this event were right in tune with the festive theme, down to the “drink me” water bottles and take home “tarts with hearts” favors.

Guests danced all night long to groovy spins of All Around Entertainment.  The large stage backdrop All Around designed was a multi-media presentation extravaganza including giant screens that showed the event logo, the photo montage from Luria Visuals and cool special effects.  At one point, the entire room seemed to spin and swirl as if we were all falling down the rabbit hole!

The talented pastry chef at The Merion created this incredible topsy turvy cake complete with a miniature version of “Ally in Wonderland” sitting on top!  She drank too much tea!

:: VIBRANT TEXTURAL BRIDAL BOUQUETS THAT ARE DESIGNED FOR EACH BRIDESMAID ::

Combining different types of flowers adds texture to the look of a hand-tied bouquet.  For instance, using large-headed flowers with smaller blooms nestled in between at different depths successfully creates visual impact, texture and drama.  For a Summer wedding, stunning bridesmaids’ bouquets were composed for seven different ladies using brightly colored flowers such as Cerise Mini Gerbera, Tangerine Spray Roses, Orange Tulips, Coral Tree Peonies, Magenta Peonies and Mango Sweetheart Roses.  It seems that today’s sophisticated brides enjoy knowing that although the floral components used for their bouquets may be the same, how those blooms are arranged may be as uniquely formed as the bridesmaids themselves.  No two are exactly the same.

{Bridesmaids’ Bouquet from Jasmine & Alex’s Wedding taken by photographer, Cliff Mautner, at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia}.